WA12 MkII Microphone Preamp. "A lot of preamps on the market do a good job of raising the volume of mics and instruments. Unfortunately, many pres are doing only that, raising volume. The Super clean designs of today often leave the signal exiting the preamp sounding much the same as it did entering it. If you are looking for a preamp to improve and shape your signal you will most definitely love the WA12 MKII. The WA12 MKII is designed to transform plain instruments and vocals into exciting tone. If your mixes lack depth, struggle to sound alive, or are just missing that professional touch you always wanted, there is a good chance you will love the WA12 MKII. Packed With Performance The WA12 MKII is a completely discrete, high voltage, dual-transformer microphone preamplifier designed for high gain (+71dB), high headroom, low noise, and an exciting sonic performance a" great for all types of recording applications. A high quality mic preamp is one of the most critical pieces needed to achieve the elusive a larger than lifeaTM sound, and the WA12 MKII is more than capable of delivering. ? The WA12 MKII is based around a discrete op-amp, the X731, which is our own reproduction of the vintage classic Melcor 1731, considered by some to be the warmer predecessor to the modern 2520-style op-amp. The X731 can achieve vibrant, clean and lifelike tones; but can also be driven into mild saturation at much higher gain levels. The effects can be subtle, but very pleasing to the ear. The WA12 MKII can also accept any discrete op-amp on the market which conforms to the +/-16v, 2520 pinout standard."

Based around an X731 opamp derived from the Melcor 1731, the pre offers a sound that can be warm or clean, saturated or transparent, depending on how hard you drive it. Drive it softly or hard, it won't change the essential sonorous quality of the unit.

It's also customizable for the DIY crowd: Because the unit was designed around the X731 opamp, the pre can accept any discrete opamp on the market that conforms to the 16V, 2520 pinout standard. In addition to the opamps, the WA12 MkII employs CineMag USA transformers, as well as other components that allow it to compete with units far more costly.

This preamp offers XLR and 1/4" connections for mic level, line level, or Hi-Z instruments. You'll also have your choice of XLR or 1/4" TRS outputs. A pad switch is on hand, as are a polarity switch and a button to supply 48V phantom power to condenser mics. A tone control lets you change the impedance from 600 to 150 ohms, which will have an effect on the sound.

MPN: WA12MkII BK
UPC: 638142859301

• Utilizes premium grade input and output USA CineMag transformers 71db of Gain, fully discrete signal path Utilizes a discrete 6-pin socketed 1731 style opamp TONE button - Switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms Mic level balanced input: XLR
  
• CineMag USA Transformers
  
• 71db of Gain, fully discrete signal path
  
• Warm-Sounding, Replaceable Opamps
  
• Tone button switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms, changing the tone of both the microphone and Hi-Z inputs
  
• 2-megohm Hi-Z input on front panel, sends instrument signal through entire circuit including both Cinemag transformers and the discrete opamp
  
• LED meter gain indication
  
• External power plug
  
• Utilizes a discrete 6-pin socketed 1731 style opamp
  
• TONE button – Switches the input impedance from 600 ohms to 150 ohms
  
• Mic level balanced input: XLR